Schools

Respect Is Key in Anti-Bullying

Hasbrouck Heights schools once again recognize the Week of Respect, a full slate of lessons and activities focused on respect, tolerance, peace and good sportsmanship.

Recognizing that having respect for one self and for others is the key to putting an end to bullying, the Hasbrouck Heights district is once again taking part in the annual Week of Respect.

All this week students in all grades will take part in lessons and activities based on learning the important lesson of respect, according to Nicole Friend, school psychologist and district anti-bullying coordinator.

Special lessons on tolerance, peace, good sportsmanship and respect are being worked into the daily activities in the classrooms at the middle and high school.

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All students are invited to wear purple on Wednesday as the high school’s Gay Straight Alliance sponsored “purple day.” On Thursday, Drama Club students will put on an anti-bullying improv performance for students in the middle school.  The grade schools are taking part in a different theme each day focused on respect and diversity.

Other groups are taking part in activities such as the Art Club which will paint a mural reflecting the respect theme. Middle school classes will also take part in a contest decorating the front door of their class with a theme and slogan for a chance to win extra points at Field Day.

Find out what's happening in Hasbrouck Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Superintendent Mark Porto told parents at the community outreach forum Monday the focus now is not so much on how to stop bullying it’s on making sure students know to respect themselves and others. He called it a community effort involving parents, teachers and administrators and Board of Education members. Board of Education President Josephine Ciocia relayed the well-known quote “it takes a village to raise a child.”

The district kicked off the Week of Respect Monday night by bringing in Drew D’Onofrio to address the HIB law, the role parents can play and the dangers of cyber bullying.

See related story:

Parents Learn How They Can Help Combat Bullying

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